The Lady Bulldogs struggled offensively Tuesday night when they were host to the California Lady Pintos. The Lady Dawgs had trouble getting into rhythm in the half court. "We had a better defensive showing in the second half knowing what our assignments were," said MHS Coach Ed Costley. California was a tough matchup for Mexico with a 6-3 guard who was able to take the Bulldogs down low. "Offensively we need to play with more confidence and keep the game simple," added the coach. Going into the locker room at half time, Mexico was down by 13. In the third quarter they got within 6 points early in the quarter. The Lady Dawgs shot 28 percent from the field 26 percent from 3-point range and were 6 for 8 (75 percent) at the line. Brooke Costley was the only Mexico player in double figures with 16 points. She also led in assists with 4, rebounds with 4 and 3 steals.

Mexico is 12-8 overall and 5-2 in conference. They play Friday night in a conference game against Kirksville.

SCORE BY QUARTERS:

Mexico: 8-13-7-12

California: 15-19-10-15

MEXICO INDIVIDUAL STATS:

Brooke Costley: 16P, 4 assists, 4RB, 3 steals.

Remi Greenwell: 8P, 1 assist 1RB.

Karen Baker: 3P, 1 steal.

Kelli Ingrum: 6P, 2RB.

Alison Mudd: 5P, 1 assist, 2RB.

Anne Baker: 2P, 1 assist, 2RB.

In the JV game Mexico lost 31-23. Kaitlin Ingrum led the Bulldogs with 6 points. Riley Greenwell and Rachel Owings each had 5 points. Abigail Gooch led in rebounds with 8 and Greenwell led in steals with 5.

BULLDOGS: Tuesday night's win against Helias Crusaders puts the Bulldogs in the driver's seat for district seeds which take place on Feb. 16.

The Bulldogs were ready to play as they traveled to Helias to take on the Crusaders coming home with a 60-48 victory. The Bulldogs held on to a slim lead after the first quarter 11-10, however the Dawgs defense allowed a 15-7 second quarter run and Mexico led 26-17 at the half. The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third quarter by as much as 15 points but led after three quarters 40-26. The Bulldogs continued to execute in the half court and being very patient on the offensive end and went on to post their 17th victory of the season.

Coach Brennan Scanlon was pleased with the effort his team gave on Tuesday night. Jake and Jon Anderson had big nights on both ends of the floor as they were responsible for holding down the Helias big men on the defensive end and both recorded double doubles on points and rebounds. Jake Willer heated up in the second half when the Bulldogs needed buckets to extend the lead. Jaeon Nunnelly had several big plays down the stretch run that continued the Bulldogs effort. Matt Ridgway did a great job on the defensive end when the Anderson brothers were in foul trouble in the second quarter. It was a great team victory for the Bulldogs as Helias has become a very difficult place to gain victories. The win improves the Bulldogs to 17-3 on the season and a perfect 7-0 in the NCMC.

The Mexico Bulldogs are back on the road on Friday night as they travel to Kirksville to take on the Tigers in an NCMC game. The JV game will take place at Kirksville High School at 5 p.m, the JV girls will play at 5 p.m. at the Kirksville Primary School. The varsity girls will follow the JV girls at the Primary School around 6:30 p.m. with varsity boys to follow.